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A new way into the ER Membrane-embedded proteins are highly diverse in topology, physical characteristics, and location. This diversity necessitates multiple pathways for their effective membrane insertion. Guna et al. found that a widely conserved protein complex is responsible for inserting a subset of membrane proteins into the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane (see the Perspective by Fry and Clemons Jr.). This ER membrane protein complex (EMC) inserts transmembrane domains whose topology and hydrophobicity preclude effective recognition by other insertion factors. This finding helps explain why the loss of EMC causes ER stress and altered protein trafficking. —SMH Science, this issue p. 470; see also p. 390 QUANTUM GASES